Santrofi

Just like the mythological bird of the same name, Ghanaian Santrofi flutters through an exceptionally beautiful musical landscape: cheerful, colorful and above all very energetic. With a passion for vintage highlife grooves and an infectious funk touch, they will revive the golden musical era of Ghana in GROUNDS.

Santrofi was formed in 2019 by a group of dedicated young musicians with a shared love for the music they grew up with: highlife. This supergroup, led by charismatic producer-bassist Emmanuel Kwadwo Ofori, brings together eight of Accra’s most talented musicians. Their aim is to celebrate classic highlife music, in all its different variations and fused styles, from early Afro-Cuban and calypso variations to funky soul influences and Nigerian Afrobeat and juju grooves. Expertly executed with the necessary undulating guitars, tight horn section, rousing percussion and harmonious vocals.

Their new album Making Moves (2025) is both a celebration of Santrofi’s roots and a leap into the future of highlife, with a new vibe of funk-driven dancefloor bangers and soulful songs reflecting on the streets of Accra. On stage, they break down hierarchies as the musicians switch roles, each building on the other’s talents while harmonizing as one. Since their formation, Santrofi have brought their fresh highlife energy to stages across Europe, including Roskilde (Denmark), FMM Sines (Portugal) and WOMAD (UK), and most recently they’ve also made a storming entrance in Japan (13 sold-out shows) and played their first US show in 2024. So now they’re more than ready to get you dancing at GROUNDS!